USA: Home of the brave

Sunday

Nov 11, 2012 at 3:15 AM

“This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”

— Elmer Davis

As we look to express in words this nation’s gratitude to those who have defended her honor and freedom, the editorial board here at Foster’s Sunday Citizen turns first to the words of a fellow member of the Fourth Estate, Elmer Davis.

Davis was a well-known news reporter, author, the director of the United States Office of War Information during World War II and a Peabody Award recipient.

His short, sweet words strike at the essence of what has made America strong in the face of attack and in defense of freedom — the brave men and women who call the United States of America home.

As dictators and despots such as Hitler and Hirohito have shown, it is not enough to simply send into battle hoards of troops which show blind allegiance to a cause. For when the moment of truth comes, their bravery is paper thin. Rather, those who fight and defend must understand the good and strength they represent.

That said, it is a quote from Benjamin Franklin which helps put the efforts of our brave men and women in context: “Never has there been a good war or a bad peace.”

The goal of any war is to establish the peace, whether in driving off aggressors or preventing slaughter. This has been a valuable lesson learned down through the decades since the United States of America was founded amid powers seeking to colonize and conquer.

The United States stands proud that its wars have been fought and troops brought home. And where they do remain, it is in unison with countries seeking the strength of our resolve and commitment.

But it is not enough to stand strong in the face of an enemy. The United States and its leaders must stand strong behind a commitment to care for war’s weary soldiers when they return home. Too often the years have dulled the public senses and we as a nation have forgotten that many of those who fought and served continue to suffer long after bullets have stopped and IEDs no longer threaten.

The morality of a nation is seen, in part, through its defense of liberty and human rights. But no test of moral fortitude can be complete or met, unless a nation and its people continue to fulfill their obligation to care for those scarred by war — physically or emotionally.

On this day, Nov. 11, we must honor our brave veterans and those currently serving not simply with words and ceremony. We must do so with a renewed commitment to meet the needs of those who suffered and continue to suffer. Only if we as a nation meet that commitment can we truly honor those who have defended us in past wars and who will do so until the peace of which Benjamin Franklin wrote is universal.